People diagnosed with dementia have an advanced brain disorder that can make it progressively more difficult for them to think clearly, remember things, communicate with others or even take care of themselves on their own. I have been personally affected by this disorder through my family members and that is why this particular lecture caught my attention the most. I didn't realize how serious this disorder could be and how much it affects not only a person's memory loss, but many other aspects of their life. The topics I was most interested in and wanted to learn more about were normal memory loss due to aging versus dementia symptoms, how families cope with a loved one with dementia, and the difference between dementia and dementia. of Alzheimer's. (http://www .helpguide.org/elder/alzheimers_dementias_types.htm) As people age, it is not that uncommon to experience some changes in memory such as memory loss. However, there is a big difference between having normal changes in memory and having symptoms of dementia. Typical changes in memory due to aging include things like not being able to find the right word during a conversation and complaining of memory loss, but still being able to give detailed examples of things that are forgotten. Some other typical signs of aging are stopping remembering directions but not getting lost in a familiar place, being able to remember recent events that are important and conversation not being affected, and having the same level of interpersonal social skills that they have always been present. On the other hand, there are more extreme cases of memory loss that are symptoms of dementia. These include things like complaining about memory loss only when asked and not remembering...... middle of paper ...... taking the introductory class because I learned a lot of extra information from it and I think other students I would also be interested in learning more about the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's disease. After reading these articles, I feel much more confident in my understanding of dementia and how it can affect a person's life on a physical, mental and emotional level. I know more about normal memory loss due to aging than dementia symptoms, how families cope with a loved one suffering from dementia, and the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Dementia is a very serious brain disorder that drastically changes the life of the person diagnosed together with their family. I hope that in the near future there will be a cure not only for dementia, but also for Alzheimer's disease, so that one day no one will have to suffer from these debilitating diseases.